Childhood Cancer Research Grant Given in Honor of Park Ridge Child

Park Ridge, Ill. – The St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants, is proud to announce the Benicio Martinez Fund for Pediatric Cancer Research, created in honor of Benicio “Benny” Martinez from Park Ridge, Ill. The Hero Fund will support lifesaving childhood cancer research at Children’s Research Institute at Children’s National Health System in Washington, D.C.

Yanxin Pei, Ph.D., assistant professor at Children’s Research Institute, was awarded a $100,000 grant that is being named the “Benicio Martinez Fund for Pediatric Cancer Research St. Baldrick’s Research Grant.” Her research will focus on the growth of medulloblastoma tumor cells.

Medulloblastoma is one of the most common malignant brain tumors in children. Unfortunately, there is a subgroup of tumors that have the poorest prognosis because of the spread of tumor cells to distant sites in the central nervous system. However, Dr. Pei has identified a subpopulation of tumor cells that contribute to the spread. By determining whether targeting these cells can eliminate or prevent the spread of medulloblastoma, Dr. Pei’s research will hopefully improve the outcome for childhood cancer.

“Working with Dr. Pei to fund her medulloblastoma research is an honor for our family,” said Benny’s parents, Ed and Michelle Martinez. “Benicio was diagnosed with medulloblastoma 11 days after he shaved his head at his middle school’s St. Baldrick’s fundraising event. He was the top fundraiser in his 6th grade class. Since then, his strength, courage and charisma have helped raise over $280,000 to fund lifesaving research, like Dr. Pei’s study, in the hope of finding cures for childhood cancer.”

Despite the many complications and setbacks, Benny has an amazing can-do attitude and is known among the doctors, nurses and therapists who work with him for being one of the kindest, most polite patients they’ve ever had the pleasure of carrying for.

St. Baldrick’s Hero Funds are an ongoing way for friends, family members and groups to donate or raise funds to honor a loved one. This Hero Fund honors Benny’s fight and supports cures and better treatments for kids like him. To learn more about the program, visit the St. Baldrick’s Hero Fund page.

About St. Baldrick’s Foundation
As the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation is leading the charge to take childhood back from cancer. St. Baldrick’s funds some of the most brilliant childhood cancer research experts who are working to find cures and better treatments for all childhood cancers. Kids need treatments as unique as they are – and that starts with funding research just for them. Join us at StBaldricks.org to help support the best childhood cancer research, no matter where it takes place.

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